This page explains how we research, write, and update LA Roof Guide. We want you to be able to check every claim we make.
Where our facts come from
We build pages from primary sources. These are the offices and documents that set or enforce the rules:
- City and county building departments. Each city page links to that city's own permit pages. Permit steps, fees, and inspection rules come from there.
- The Contractors State License Board (CSLB). License rules, contract rules, and consumer warnings come from CSLB pages and bulletins.
- CAL FIRE and the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Fire hazard severity zone maps and wildfire building rules come from them.
- The California Building Standards Code (Title 24). This includes the energy code rules for cool roofs and the wildfire rules for roofs, vents, and gutters.
- The California Department of Insurance. Claim steps, consumer rights, and wildfire insurance programs come from the department's own guides.
- The U.S. Census Bureau. Housing age figures come from the American Community Survey.
- Manufacturer data sheets. When we describe a roofing product, such as its fire rating or wind rating, we use the maker's own published data sheet.
We avoid sales pages and contractor blogs as sources for rules or numbers.
Our rules for writing
- Every number or rule is cited. You will find a list of sources at the bottom of each page.
- If we cannot verify it, we leave it out. We would rather say less than say something wrong.
- No invented content. We do not publish made-up prices, statistics, reviews, quotes, people, or case stories.
- Costs are handled with care. We show a cost range only when a dated source supports it. We always say that prices vary by home, material, and contractor.
- No sales. We do not sell roof work, take leads, or rank roofers. Read our about page for why.
- Plain language. We write short sentences and explain terms the first time we use them.
How pages are reviewed
Each page shows a "last reviewed" date. On that date the editors re-checked the page against its listed sources. Permit fees, maps, and codes change, so we review pages on a regular schedule. We also review a page right away when a reader reports a problem.
When a rule changes, we update the page and its date. We do not keep old rules on a page without saying they are old.
Limits of this guide
This guide is general information. It is not legal, engineering, or building code advice. The final word on your project belongs to your local building department, your insurer, and your contract. Rules differ by city. Always confirm details with the office that enforces them. For license questions, use the CSLB license check.
Corrections
If you find an error, please email us through the contact page. Send a link to the source that shows the correct fact. We check it, fix the page if needed, and update the review date.